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Consew 206RB-5 Review (2023 update)
Note from Editor: This Consew 206RB-5 review was originally written in 2015 and revised in 2023 with updated content and industrial alternatives such as the Juki TL-2010Q and DDL 8700.
This particular machine looked extremely familiar. A search of past reviews revealed that I had actually reviewed a smaller version of this very same machine – the portable Consew 206R a while back.
The Consew 206RB-5 is larger, heavier, and therefore, designed to handle more challenging tasks, such as auto, boat and furniture upholstery; tents; tarpaulins; sails; camping and sports equipment; awnings; umbrellas; shoes; purses; luggage and the like. It is also a good option for sewing apparel and coats for men, women and children.
Consew 206RB-5 Review : Overview
Renowned as the industry's go-to choice, the Consew 206RB-5 is an expertly constructed industrial sewing machine. With an extra-long 10 mm stitch length and a 14 mm high foot lift, it effortlessly conquers materials ranging from leather to canvas. Its walking foot compound feed ensures precision in intricate tasks, aligning feet to avoid interference. Ideal for automotive, upholstery, marine, and canvas work, it excels in diverse applications. This machine comes complete with a table and servo motor, presenting a seamless start to your sewing journey. Boasting a sleek white design, it seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic appeal.
- Easy to set up for manual operation
- High-quality industrial sewing machine
- Includes essential components like LED sewing light
- Does not have any advanced features
At A Glance
The Consew 206RB-5 is a full size table mounted machine with lots of features that are not available on the portable 206R. Some of these features are available on the 206RB-5 because it is mounted on a table. Those features include a separate bobbin winder and a bobbin storage compartment on the right side of the machine. There is also an on board ruler and lamp as well as a cone thread stand that is designed to hold two extra-large cones of thread simultaneously.
In addition to those enhancements, the straight stitch only Consew 206RB-5 also has an extra-large bobbin, a large reverse stitch lever, adjustable stitch length up to 10 mm and a centralized lubrication system that makes routine maintenance quick and easy. The stitch length adjustment dial is on the column. The oversize reverse stitch lever is directly beneath the stitch length adjustment control. The proximity of these two controls is not only efficient, the design is ergonomic as well.
Consew 206RB-5: Features
- Extra-long stitch length (10mm – 2 ½ stitches per inch)
- Large Bobbin
- Extra high presser foot clearance ( 9/16″)
- Centralized lubrication
- Gear driven hook mechanism
- Safety clutch
- Adjustable forward and reverse length
- Accessories (presser feet, needles, etc., interchangeable with Consew models 226R-2, 255RB-2)
- Changeable needle plate and feed dog
- Locking stitch regulator
- Drop feed
Working on the Consew 206RB-5
- Easy to set up for manual operation
- High-quality industrial sewing machine
- Includes essential components like LED sewing light
- Does not have any advanced features
Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Denim Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Leather / Suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas / Twill Plastic / Rubber | Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester |
Accessories
- Extra bobbins
- Extra needles
- Oil dispenser
- 3 Screwdrivers (1 large, 1 medium, 1 small)
- Two double head wrenches (1 large, 1 small)
- Spool pin
- 2 Hex keys (1 medium, 1 small)
- Extra screws
- Knee lifter
- Owner’s manual
- Parts manual
Maintenance
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Alternatives to the Consew 206RB-5
If you are not sure about the Consew 206RB-5, we have some great alternative industrial sewing machines, such as Juki TL-2010Q and DDL 8700.
The new Juki TL-2010Q is a high-performance sewing and quilting machine. The TL-2010Q is a single-needle, lock-stitch, portable machine, constructed of aluminum die-casting to ensure industrial-quality sewing and quilting. This machine is made for precise sewing, with features like an industrial sub-tension system, a slider for changing the speed, and bright white LED lights. With a large work area of up to 23 inches (with auxiliary table attached), the TL-2000Qi can handle large quilting, sewing, or home decor projects with ease.
Some of my favorite features are the needle up/needle down, speed control, and thread cutter. The thread cutter works when you bounce your heel back and forth on the foot pedal. This is a sturdy workhorse that is strong and nicely made. It only has a straight stitch, though.
Why does that matter? The machine only produces great straight stitches that don't tangle or develop bird's nests on the underside when they are sewn. It features a very quick motor, like a machine used in industry.
Free-motion quilting gives you so much control over your work, and working with a huge quilt is made simpler by the broad throat. The Juki TL2010Q supports speed control, allowing you to select the ideal pace for the job.
- Quiet Operation
- Speed Control
- Free motion quilting
- LED lights dont live up to expectations
- Difficulty in threading the needle
Read the detailed review of the Juki 2010Q here
The Juki DDL-8700, hailed as the "Best Overall for Commercial Use," stands as a testament to Juki's commitment to sewing excellence. This industrial sewing machine, designed for light to medium fabrics, prioritizes comfort with reduced vibration and noise. Ideal for those seeking efficient stitching without compromising on quality, the DDL-8700 boasts a maximum speed of 5500 stitches per minute. Precision at its core, it offers a maximum stitch length of 5 mm, making every stitch count. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an ambitious beginner, this complete unit, equipped with a sturdy table, stand, motor, and more, addresses your sewing needs.
- Fast and efficient
- Excellent for heavy canvas and light leather
- Easy to assemble
- No manual included
Consew 206RB-5 Review: Summary
The Consew 206RB-5 can easily handle nearly all types of materials, including light to heavy weight fabric, leather and suede of all thicknesses and weights, upholstery fabric, canvas, twill and sail cloth, faux fur, all weights of vinyl and laminated fabrics of all thicknesses. Sewing on the Consew 206RB-5 is comfortable and lightning fast. If you’re not used to working on an industrial machine, a sewing speed of more than 3000 stitches per minute can be scary. There are plenty of sewing machines designed for industrial use that are not as fast as this one.
The heavy duty walking foot and the extra-large bobbin make it possible to work for extended periods of time without having to stop to change the bobbin. Having the table mounted bobbin winder paired with the bobbin storage tray alongside it is an added advantage because you can wind multiple bobbins while sewing and have as many bobbins as you need to finish a task at the ready.
Anyone who knows how to use a sewing machine should have no trouble using the Consew 206RB-5. Reading the manual, however, is no real help. Like the manuals written for all Consew models and other machines manufactured in parts of Asia, the manual is written by people for whom English is not the first language. The grammar, spelling and sentence structure is quite challenging to say the least. When it’s all said and done, I think the Consew 206RB-5 is a reliable, dependable industrial sewing machine that would be an asset to any workroom – even if that workroom is in a private home.
If you are interested in making shoes, handbags, luggage, or if sewing upholstery whether it is for furniture or automobiles, the Consew 206RB-5 might be the perfect fit to satisfy your needs. The fact that it can handle sailcloth, and all weights of leather, suede and vinyl is a definite advantage. The Consew 206RB-5 is affordably priced and its whisper quiet Servo motor makes it an ideal choice for any busy sewing room – especially a very busy one where noise can be a distraction of any type. The excellent stitch quality of this machine, as well as its ability to produce stitches up to 2 12 inches in length, make it an excellent choice for large-scale sewing tasks.
Even though most home sewers don’t need stitches that long, those of us who do special projects and especially businesses that make certain types of specialty products do. If your sewing projects are too large or bulky for the sewing machines in your home, you owe it to yourself to take a close look at the Consew 206RB-5.
If your business is one that requires the type of sewing machine that can sew more than 3000 stitches per minute and sew through extra thick layers of fabric as well as leather, vinyl and canvas with ease, I suggest that you visit your local authorized Consew dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Consew 206RB-5 the next time you are in the market for a new straight stitch only sewing machine to add to your workroom. My one word of caution is to be sure you are comfortable working on this machine before purchasing it. The owner’s manual is going to be of little help if you need to refer to it in order to set the machine up, operate or maintain it, or to troubleshoot any problems that may come up during the life of this machine.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Other Industrial machine you may like
Juki DDL 8100e Review
It’s not often that I come across a sewing machine that is so fast it makes me want to take a step back. That’s what happened when I reviewed the Juki DDL 8100e straight stitch only industrial sewing machine. This is quite probably the fastest sewing machine I have ever worked on. At more than 5000 stitches per minute, I know it’s the fastest sewing machine I have ever reviewed.
Juki DDL 5550N Review
Having neighbors who sew is nothing new for me. However, having a neighbor who is a professional tailor and pattern maker is almost a dream come true. Not long after Kennedy Samuel bought the house across the street from me, he purchased a brand new Juki DDL 5550N, and allowed me to do this review before he even had a chance to do any serious sewing on it himself. I was not only honored, I was also impressed by the performance of this straight stitch only super-fast industrial sewing machine. Unlike other industrial sewing machines I have reviewed in the past, this one has a bobbin thread sensor, an on board thread cutter and a fabric edge sensor that automatically stops and cuts the threads when the needle sews off the edge of a seam.
Juki TL 2010Q Review (2023 update)
If you are a machine quilting enthusiast who doesn’t have enough space for a quilting frame, the Juki TL 2010Q is a very good option. This straight stitch only mechanical home quilting machine has all of the great workmanship and high standards of quality that the Juki brand name is famous for and is user friendly enough for a beginner to work on with ease.
Other Consew Machines you may like
Consew 206RB-5 Review
Summary
The Consew 206RB-5 is a perfect industrial sewing machine that includes a servo motor, a walking foot, and a table, which are all you need to get started working with it. The three feeds that was made for auto upholstery work can also be used to work with leather and canvas. It’s a great sewing machine for upholstery, canvas, vinyl, synthetics, leather, and a lot of other materials that range in weight from heavy to light.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
I am only beginning to use this machine, my first industrial. My problem is that after sewing for 10 minutes, the upper tension is so tight as to either break the thread or shred the thread. I’ve been trying adjusting the upper tension to no avail. And you are correct, the handbook is useless. Help!?
Back off the thread tension about 3 turns. It’s on the front of the machine. If the tension is too loose, turn it to the right one half turn.
I have a cansew 206rb5.i was sewing some thick leather and the neddle stick and jump up about half inch hight what should i do
The article states: ” this machine can produce stitches up to 2 ½ inches in length”. Not true. It should be 2 ½ stitches per inch.
There are some excellent videos on you tube, if you haven’t already found them. Adjustments are certainly doable without help from the manual.
Unfavorable reviews apparently are not shared about this machine. This is the sorriest machine I have ever used in 33 years. I literally cannot sew for for more than a few minutes without something going wrong: thread breakage; bobbin problems ie thread breakage, jamming; using thereverse lever jams the bobbin every time; strange knocking noises from different places on the machine; the laminate has come unglued on the table…I oil it as explained in the manual, the tension and stitch lengths work perform as they should and I maintain it as the manual requires. This thing is suitable as a boat anchor and was an incredible waste of money. And..you would expect a company such as Consew could find someone who could translate into readable and understandable English!!!